Game Thread: Xavier v. Wisconsin (Gavitt Games) Non Conference Game #3

[Muskie]

http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500/2752.png&h=150&w=150 v. http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/Xavierhoops/i%201_zpsamjdqons.png (http://s1240.photobucket.com/user/Xavierhoops/media/i%201_zpsamjdqons.png.html)

Xavier (2-0, 0-0) v. Wisconsin (1-0, 0-0)

Time: 6:30 P.M.

Cintas Center, Cincinnati, OH

TV: FS1

Live Stream (http://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/watch) (Stats Only) (http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)
(http://www.sidearmstats.com/xavier/mbball/)
Radio: 55KRC Listen Live
(https://www.iheart.com/live/1709/?autoplay=true&pname=15400&campid=header&cid=index.html)
Live Chat (http://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=XavierHoops)

GoXavier.com Preview (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/12/mens-basketball-hosts-wisconsin-on-tuesday-in-gavitt-tipoff-games-matchup.aspx)

Enquirer Preview (Not Posted)

*check back for more links and articles

No Common Opponents this Season.


The Setting

Xavier concludes their participation in the Gavitt Games by hosting Wisconsin on Tuesday night at the Cintas Center. Xavier last faced Wisconsin on November 16, 2017, at the Kohl Center. Xavier defeated Wisconsin 80-70. Xavier enters the contest after holding off the University of Evansville on Saturday. Xavier was paced by Tyrique Jones who had 19 points and 20 rebounds in the win.

Wisconsin enters the game off an 85-63 victory over Coppin State. Ethan Happ recorded a triple-double scoring 10points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists.

What to Watch

Xavier: The caliber of competition increases on Tuesday, will Xavier? What kind of minutes can the team expect out of its' starters in their 3rd game in seven days? How will the Musketeers guard Ethan Happ and the generally slower pace of play that Wisconsin invites? How will Xavier guard both Ethan Happ and Trice D'Mitrik (Huber Heights, Ohio)?

Wisconsin: Will Wisconsin be able to dictate the pace of play and stop Xavier's preference to get out and run. Can Wisconsin hit 3 point shots with the frequency that Evansville did on Saturday?

Last Game:

Xavier defeated Evansville on Homecoming, 91-85 (Link (https://goxavier.com/news/2018/11/10/mens-basketball-xu-vs-evansville.aspx?path=mbball)).

Wisconsin defeated Coppin State, 85-63 (Link (https://uwbadgers.com/news/2018/11/6/mens-basketball-happ-makes-history-in-season-debut.aspx)).

[Xuperman]

Most everyone here has blasted our poor defense in the 1st two, and with good reason but I want to start this game thread accentuating the positive....our OFFENSE!! It's going to take a helluva defense to beat us because we have 6 guys that can score 20 on any given day. Would love to see the Badgers coaches trying to game plan for Tyrique Jones....HeHeHe

[GIMMFD]

Rubbermatch, got a chance to win the series, I'm hoping we look sharp out there, also anybody else think a 6:30 tip time is super weird?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

If you toss in the heart breaker isn’t it 2-1 is right now?


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[Muskie]

Rubbermatch, got a chance to win the series, I'm hoping we look sharp out there, also anybody else think a 6:30 tip time is super weird?
That's the start time for the "early" Big East game on FS1. We were often the marquee matchup so we rarely had this spot the first couple of years.

[XMuskieFTW]

Rubbermatch, got a chance to win the series, I'm hoping we look sharp out there, also anybody else think a 6:30 tip time is super weird?

We have one weekday 6pm game and seven weekday 6:30 games this year. It's atrocious. I'm living in the central time zone which makes going getting home in time for those games even more of a pain.

[GoMuskies]

We have one weekday 6pm game and seven weekday 6:30 games this year. It's atrocious. I'm living in the central time zone which makes going getting home in time for those games even more of a pain.

Once you've come to terms with watching these games on DVR, it changes your life. You get an hour back for every game. I just have to avoid my phone from the period starting at tipoff through when I am finished watching the game, which also has some benefits.

[Muskie]

Once you've come to terms with watching these games on DVR, it changes your life. You get an hour back for every game. I just have to avoid my phone from the period starting at tipoff through when I am finished watching the game, which also has some benefits.

I'd love to do this. No reason I can't really. But I just don't love sports on DVR.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Once you've come to terms with watching these games on DVR, it changes your life. You get an hour back for every game. I just have to avoid my phone from the period starting at tipoff through when I am finished watching the game, which also has some benefits.

Do this all the time when I have to. Will have to do this for Auburn. I have to text all Xavier fan friends not to text me anything related to the game and then just stay off social media/sports sites. I am usually successful except one time several years ago when a co worker at the time blew the XU/UD game score for me right as I was getting ready to leave. "Tough loss for X huh?" FML.

[94GRAD]

Do this all the time when I have to. Will have to do this for Auburn. I have to text all Xavier fan friends not to text me anything related to the game and then just stay off social media/sports sites. I am usually successful except one time several years ago when a co worker at the time blew the XU/UD game score for me right as I was getting ready to leave. "Tough loss for X huh?" FML.

What's your # again?

[novachap]

Good luck tonight Folks!

[Xuperman]

X-74
w-71

[X-band '01]

@jpmacura

@stevestricker excited for another chapter in this rivalry. Loser buys dinner?

Game on.

[Jesuit4Life]

Let's Go X

[GoMuskies]

Just kidding.

[sirthought]

So our smart player, Goodin starts out with a difficult fall away jumper early into the clock. Not a good look.

[kellernr]

Naji looks like a 2nd team all A10 player so far this year. I thought he was going to dominate?

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[sirthought]

Scruggs in position to rebound in the paint and doesn't even reach for the ball, then he commits a stupid reach in foul when he had a body on his man the right way. SMH

[sirthought]

I don't see our guys rebounding the way Wisconsin is. Most of the ones they've missed XU had more players in the paint.

Something feels off right now as far as desire to get the ball.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

What is up with Goodin today? He is taking crazy shots, the offense works better when they work for something.

[Xville]

Goodin and naji are playing like a big bag of dics..

.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Nice shot there with great ball movement, if Goodin just gets away from trying to do everything we would be alright. Two on Scruggs and Jones is going to kill us.

[letskeepitreal]

God this is awful. What’s with Naji?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Welage given three WIDE open attempts and nothing. Free throw struggles continue. Need to hang around before half.

[KFX]

Fortunate to be only down 8.

[Xville]

Fortunate to be only down 8.

Yep....Wisconsin has had a lot of short shots that have trimmed out. Very lucky to only be down 8

[Xville]

Great play there naji..miss a layup then compound the issue by fouling. Awesome

[mistabeecee41]

Andy Katz might have been right

[Xville]

Got some momentum now....let's effing go!

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Great play there naji..miss a layup then compound the issue by fouling. Awesome

In all fairness, he wasn't anticipating Happ slowing down. Didn't they change the rule on that or was that just the NBA?

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Getting some open looks. Need to get lucky on a couple. Stops and rebounds. Rinse, repeat.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Hankins isn't doing bad on Happ, that last one was a prayer.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Lets fucking go. Great end to the half.

[Xville]

Great end to the half....for how bad they played for ten plus minutes, glad to be only down 2

[ArizonaXUGrad]

They stop the hero ball and Scruggs/Jones play for a while without getting three and we got a shot.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Yeah, Q improves his shot selection and starts going to the hole more and things turn around. Paul, Rique, and especially Hankins are the keys to winning this one. And hopefully more of Welage’s wide open looks start falling.

[Jesuit4Life]

https://twitter.com/BIGEASTMBB/status/1062501682997800960

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[RoseyMuskie]

Castlin absolutely cannot collapse on the post. Jones and Hankins are handling the post quite fine.

[kellernr]

Where is the Jones from the 1st 2 games? No energy tonight and completely invisible on the defensive end. We are playing better with Hankins in tonight

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[ArizonaXUGrad]

Right back to normal, Jones in his effort to not pick up three just let Happ right by him.

[Lloyd Braun]

Defensive rotations have been a problem.

[KFX]

No adjustments on happ and trice. Maybe want to front happ and try to deny the ball. They are spreading the floor and leaving the lane open. . Marshall getting torched Piss poor effort.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Hopefully this whopping results in some of the attitudes taming down a bit. The defense first talk was total nonsense. I take that back just a bit, there are times I see good defense, but it's is far from consistent.

[Xville]

As expected, it looks like we are going to take a lot of lumps this year. 3 point defense is garbage just like it's been for years.

[Grizzx12]

Hopefully this whopping results in some of the attitudes taming down a bit. The defense first talk was total nonsense. I take that back just a bit, there are times I see good defense, but it's is far from consistent.

There's been some bad effort off ball as well. Naji not closing out on 34 left a 3 open and Scruggs not getting that board is killing us

[sirthought]

It's amazing the patience and composure the Wisc players have compared to XU. They seem to get after most of what they want while we search for an opportunity.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Just wow, that defense is abysmal.

Edit that: I feel like they just can't adjust on defense at all. We have guys that get lost on rotations that have been in the system for a while.

[drudy23]

It's amazing the patience and composure the Wisc players have compared to XU. They seem to get after most of what they want while we search for an opportunity.

That's called experience.

[kellernr]

I want to know how we lose Trice almost everytime down the floor. They have 2 shooters and Happ. They shouldn't be hard to defend. Stop switching on the pick and roll and face guard Trice. Thatbshuts down their entire offense

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[KFX]

Non conviction threes thrown up. Embarrassing what happ is doing to us. Steele is a used car salesman. And yes I know better but I’m pissed off

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Non conviction threes thrown up. Embarrassing what happ is doing to us. Steele is a used car salesman. And yes I know better but I’m pissed off

After the first two games, I knew we would get rolled. This isn't surprising. We also aren't an NCAA team right now and really barely NIT. I am extremely disappointed with Scruggs and Marshall to an extent. They are sophomores, but they are also 21 already and should be better than this.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Welage yikes.

[KFX]

Tyrique is going to have one helluva long year in the big east.

[Blue Blooded-05]

It’s gonna be a LONG year

[Xville]

I'm not sure what some of you guys expected this year especially early. This is a rebuilding year with a bunch of guys who are either stepping into new roles, or guys who have never played high d1 basketball.

[drudy23]

After the first two games, I knew we would get rolled. This isn't surprising. We also aren't an NCAA team right now and really barely NIT. I am extremely disappointed with Scruggs and Marshall to an extent. They are sophomores, but they are also 21 already and should be better than this.

Agree with everything here. Those two are the leaders, and they constantly hang their heads and complain. Where's the swagger? No toughness, going through the motions.

Tre and JP aren't coming back.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Yes it will, now if somehow Marshall and Scruggs start improving and Goodin's shoulder heals we got a shot. You can see spurts where we play well.

[whopper]

we have been spoiled but I do believe that these guys may have been reading their own press releases. I have read a number of articles about Naj, Q, Tyrique but I think it is time to pretend they have never been heard of and lets see more effort. This is over as we know now and I am an optimist.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Tyrique has to be smarter, that said isn't what Happ just did grabbing the jersey a foul? Do they let that go with bigs?

[RoseyMuskie]

Shooting (including FTs) and defensive rebounding is horrid. If X does either at an average clip, this is a two possession game.

[Xville]

I do like hankins quite a bit. I think he has earned a starting spot with his effort tonight and Jones needs to come off the bench against Auburn.

[kellernr]

If we could hit FTs it we would have the lead down to 8

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[Blue Blooded-05]

I'm not sure what some of you guys expected this year especially early. This is a rebuilding year with a bunch of guys who are either stepping into new roles, or guys who have never played high d1 basketball.

I didn’t expect greatness, but I did expect better than 4-21 from 3 and 2-7 from the FT line on our home floor

[drudy23]

I do like hankins quite a bit. I think he has earned a starting spot with his effort tonight and Jones needs to come off the bench against Auburn.

Agree.

This team seems way too laid back.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Digging yourself out of a hole in the first half only to come out and suck in the 2nd is depressing.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Auburn is going to hammer us and it will be ugly. They are that much better than Wisconsin and its a neutral court game.

[Xville]

I didn’t expect greatness, but I did expect better than 4-21 from 3 and 2-7 from the FT line on our home floor

Ok but we go 7 deep and 3 of them wouldn't have been on the team had we not struck out on a million recruits last year.

With that said I think this team will be better once the calendar changes to 19

[drudy23]

Something seems to be missing with this group. They just seem to be going through the motions. No killers.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Something seems to be missing with this group. They just seem to be going through the motions. No killers.

I agree, they don't play like a team that has to scrap for everything to eke out wins against teams.

[kellernr]

It's sad when your center and wing player are better ft shooters than your guards

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[Xville]

I agree, they don't play like a team that has to scrap for everything to eke out wins against teams.

I think some of that may be a chemistry thing. Lots of new faces, still figuring out roles, new coach etc etc.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Wow, so that little Happ highlight reel was pretty telling. He is just so smart at when to push guys out of the way. He should have fouled out but he does it where the refs don't see.

I definitely see why the NBA guys are low on him. He won't get away with that at the next level, he isn't quick or strong enough against guys his size.

[mistabeecee41]

Wow, so that little Happ highlight reel was pretty telling. He is just so smart at when to push guys out of the way. He should have fouled out but he does it where the refs don't see.

I definitely see why the NBA guys are low on him. He won't get away with that at the next level, he isn't quick or strong enough against guys his size.

lol cmon man. Guy just destroyed us, no need to be a crybaby

[ArizonaXUGrad]

lol cmon man. Guy just destroyed us, no need to be a crybaby

Not at all, look I play soccer weekly and play defense. I do the EXACT same thing. I tug and pull and push but I do it when nobody is looking. I am showing that guy respect. That is sports. Nobody plays clean, at least nobody at this level.

Edit: I should have just wrote that I couldn't figure out why the NBA guys were low on him.

[Xville]

I like the fight I have seen these last five minutes. They could have easily folded and lost by 15 plus, but they are going to only lose by half that. This may go a long way against maui and be competition.

[xufan2020]

We got the gator chomp too.. what a game. If we don’t completely fold on defense to start the half and hit a few more free throws, we could’ve won the game.

[Lloyd Braun]

Bad call on Naji. Would have cut it to 3

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Bad call on Naji. Would have cut it to 3

I agree, that was pretty horrid. How can you let the defender just run into him, both guys were in motion.

[Lloyd Braun]

The gator chomp is funny but completely irrelevant to us. He should have done the FSU Seminole chop instead.

[Xville]

Well, hopefully this is a big learning experience for the group and they will get better as the year goes on like I think they will.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The gator chomp is funny but completely irrelevant to us. He should have done the FSU Seminole chop instead.

Will Steve Stricker have another win with class tweet for his own guys? Lol doubt it.

[Caf]

I think the worst part of this game is that Wisconsin is potentially not very good. 4 players, and predominately 3 players, did literally all of their scoring. I don't think I've ever seen anything like that.

Also Happ is just a nightmare for a young team to face.

[Lloyd Braun]

Well I doubt they will get worse as the year goes on and they play more together. They’ll be fine just need some identity.

[xu82]

Bad call on Naji. Would have cut it to 3

Horrible!

Needed to play the first 39 minutes too.

[KFX]

Fellas it ain’t chemistry. We lack talent. Welage castlin and spank have never competed at this level. Scruggs looked scared and hesitant all night. This game has given Tyrique something to think about. This ain’t Evansville. Marshall crap on defense. Q torched by trice.

No leadership. If I were Steele the headbands would be burned and I’d have these kids practicing nothing but defense for the next week. That score flattered us. Wisconsin should have won by 20. Let’s hear what the used car salesman says in the post game. In game adjustments were shit.

[Lloyd Braun]

Burn the headbands!

Unbelievable.

[Grizzx12]

Well, hopefully this is a big learning experience for the group and they will get better as the year goes on like I think they will.

I agree. There is definitely some talent here but right now they seem lost. Wisconsin played controlled and we sped up and made way too many mistakes which I hope we can fix sooner rather than later.

[KFX]

You’re correct. And Steele had no answer to the obvious question. How do you handle happ and trice. Steele has no idea.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I agree. There is definitely some talent here but right now they seem lost. Wisconsin played controlled and we sped up and made way too many mistakes which I hope we can fix sooner rather than later.

I agree with this. I think the reality is that Scruggs/Marshall/Goodin should be playing better then the elite talent on our opponents. They aren't right now. Marshall and Scruggs should be our best defenders and they just aren't.

[MITTENMUSKIE16]

Davison and Trice were 9-11 from three...

Q was 5-18 from the field, with some absolutely awful shot choices.

Free throws are going to be a problem for a team who will play in a lot of close games.

[KFX]

Burn them!! Just let me vent.

[Xville]

You’re correct. And Steele had no answer to the obvious question. How do you handle happ and trice. Steele has no idea.

Dude did Steele sleep with your wife and punch your dog? Give it a rest...the guy just coached his third game, his first against a team with a pulse.

[Blue Blooded-05]

Ethan Happ in 3 career games vs Xavier:

29/46 (63%) from the floor for 69 points, 24 rebounds, 14 assists. That’s an average of 23/8/5.

Tip of the cap, Happ

[xu82]

Steele can recruit at the highest level. That’s a fact. Now the test is can he coach and bring these guys up to speed? We had the talent, but just didn’t look as....refined? Hopefully that’s just youth and things get rolling as the season goes on.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Didn't Happ play in the NCAA game also?

[whopper]

I know that Jones must be feeling horrible now and I honestly would like to see him as an offensive rebounder than a first low post option, same with Hankins. Obviously must hit way more foul shots and play help defense better. Castin and Welage are OK but somewhat limited but I guess we should expect that. Q and Scruggs can bully guards but we need more opportunity baskets(but hard to run when taking it inbounds). I see some signs of hope but it may not be a coincidence that Davidson and Truce hit 9 out 11 from three..just like Evansville and shows poor close out..we did not respect Davidson's shot at all.

[KFX]

Hey dude. It’s a message board. It’s my opinion. Based on what I just watched. Empirical evidence. I would appreciate it if you kept the personal insults to yourself.

[KabeX]

Steele can recruit at the highest level. That’s a fact. Now the test is can he coach and bring these guys up to speed? We had the talent, but just didn’t look as....refined? Hopefully that’s just youth and things get rolling as the season goes on.

Yep this is correct. We're built on building for March. I think Steele gets that obviously. The comment from the douches (commentators) about moving 1 seat over is spot on. Remember when we wanted to fire Miller? I think this is as close to a "good" ... no "acceptable" .. no "teachable" loss as you can get.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Hey dude. It’s a message board. It’s my opinion. Based on what I just watched. Empirical evidence. I would appreciate it if you kept the personal insults to yourself.

I think it's going to be a lot of Steele has no idea this year. The guy is 37 and it's his first year at the helm. I think a lot of people on here forget Mack's early career troubles. I remember a lot of "Fire Mack" comments including from me. I still remember Wofford.

The sad part, I really think Scruggs and Marshall are top 30 talent that just need better guidance or at least someone reigning them in.

[letskeepitreal]

Issue I think who is going to be the leader in this group who is going to get into teammates faces and demand intensity?

[Caf]

I think the big question is if Welage or Castlin are good enough for the lineups Steele wants to run. Naji-Goodin-Scruggs-Jones or Hankins are a solid four. The fifth player in that group is an enormous question mark right now.

Hats off to Wisconsin - they played to their strengths and our weaknesses.

[Xville]

Issue I think who is going to be the leader in this group who is going to get into teammates faces and demand intensity?

Maybe q could throw basketballs against their face?

[Xville]

Issue I think who is going to be the leader in this group who is going to get into teammates faces and demand intensity?

I think hankins can be that player

[GreatWhiteNorth]

What irritates me the most are the missed free throws. Please practise your FTs !

[paulxu]

Couldn't see the game. The box score says we lost it behind the arc.
I thought we had some guys who could shoot the 3? 5-24 is really the difference in the game. (from the box score anyway)

[kellernr]

I had a feeling we would lose but didnt think we would be blown out midway through the 2nd half. Was great attempt at a comeback that was thwarted by the refs with the call on naji at the end.

Really need Jones to play smarter. He puts every time he's called for a foul and then just mopes around the floor.

Hankins will big for us. The guy plays with emotion and is a rebounding machine.

Welage - he needs to hit at least 3 3s a game for how many he takes. I think he will go off in Maui and Carrie's us to win over auburn.

Castlin- needs to hit his free throws. I thought all ivy league players could shoot free throws.

Scruggs - needs to quit picking up his 1st foul 1 minute into the game. Has a good shot as we saw Saturday but it wasnt falling tonight

Goodin - needs to pass up some of his 3pt attempts. His shot ha gotten a lot better from his freshman year but he's not the guy I want putting up face away 3s.

Naji - needs to get going early in games. He's come on strong in the 2nd half of each game so far.

Would have liked to see Harden get in tonight. He's got a good shot from 3 and probably could have done as good or better than welage tonight.

The whole damn team needs to spend an entire practice shooting free throws and learning how to guard the 3pt line. They look like the bengals leaving 10yd cushions on the shooters.

Disappointed but the loss was not unexpected. I still think X is dancing in March.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[KFX]

Fair comment. I’m feeling it because I had some cash on the line! This game reminded me of the x Nd ncaa game from 2001 or so. They kept handing the Game to us and we refused to take advantage

[KabeX]

I agree with this. We have more talent than Whisky but they are smart and very well coached. Remember Miller and Mack's 1st season at the helm. Steele could well surpass that as he has arguable more talent but still it's his first year. All that said, we're built to build for March. It will be a roller-coaster but we'll see what happens.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Now the fun starts, at the start of the year I was thinking 9-4 in the non-conference. I think we go 8-5 or maybe 7-6 depending on Missouri on the road and getting one in Hawaii.

I think now it's on the coaching staff to instill a mindset in these guys that they need to play with some urgency. This loss hurts our resume for the tournament.

[XUBison]

The gator chomp is funny but completely irrelevant to us. He should have done the FSU Seminole chop instead.

Absolutely yes to this. J.P. would never have blown an opportunity like that. Never. That’s why he was the best.

[KabeX]

This.


Absolutely yes to this. J.P. would never have blown that opportunity. Never.

[KFX]

Byron just asked why no double on happ. No communication on d was the answer. Okay coach. You got this.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Absolutely yes to this. J.P. would never have blown that opportunity. Never.

Wisconsin does that chomp at home games to the opposing team's most hated player. In our case it was JP, last year they spent the game call him asshole (so loud I heard clearly through my TV) so JP gave them the chomp back.

It really makes no sense here, JP is gone and this wasn't in Madison.

[KabeX]

Listening to B & J wrap up. What we need is a B & T attitude adjustment. Byron and Tu. You get that and we got something!

[GIMMFD]

I think it's going to be a lot of Steele has no idea this year. The guy is 37 and it's his first year at the helm. I think a lot of people on here forget Mack's early career troubles. I remember a lot of "Fire Mack" comments including from me. I still remember Wofford.

The sad part, I really think Scruggs and Marshall are top 30 talent that just need better guidance or at least someone reigning them in.

I was too drunk to remember Wofford, great call really. I agree though, Steele is going to take some time to become a good coach, he's going to have to learn on the job, and we're going to have to be patient with him. It was his 3rd game, and it's going to take some time to be better. We could have won this game, but ultimately we just aren't there as a unit, it's to be expected.

Our three point shooting was woeful, 20% is really bad, Welage 1-7, Q 1-8, I think Q's was attributed to his shoulder, which I hope is fine, but definitely saw him pointing to it in the first half. It was nice to see only 10 turnovers, I really thought it was going to be worse than that, I think for the fact these guys have been together for like 5-6 months, that's a decent job taking care of the ball. Naji had moments where he looked sharp, and others not so great. We didn't drive enough in the first half, and settled for a lot of 3's and that's just not the team we are.

Defense has a long ways to go, we can't really cover anybody, Happ ate us alive, and that was one of the keys to success. Tip my hat to him, he's a good player, Tyrique unfortunately had a very rough game in terms of fouls, and we need to see him do better. I loved Hankins contributions though, 4 big time blocks, he really could be a damn good rim protector, and quietly had a double double, he stepped up when Rique was down a bit this game, even though the comeback was thwarted. There's a lot to work on, but the season is young, I still have faith Steele can get this team to 20 wins, class half full type of feeling. It sucks, but I kind of expected us to lose tonight. We have 6 days to start getting prepared for Auburn, that's going to be a helluva challenge again, I'd just like to see growth.

[xu82]

A season is a lifetime, and the early childhood experience appears it will be painful.

[Xuperman]

I guess LEDGE SPACE is selling at top dollar in Xavier Nation.....I'm NOT buying.

[mohr5150]

Uh... after watching this team through 3 games, X is not good. The defense is absolutely pathetic. Naji and Q have been horrendous on the defensive end. They had three guys who could score. We knew Happ would get his, but #s 0 and 34 just torched us. Wisconsin isn't a great team. Happ is a stud, but the rest of that team is average at best.

X can't shoot 3's.
X can't shoot foul shots
X can't play defense

Recipe for a bad year.

[xudash]

They never quit. I'll give them that.

[stammina0721]

I dont think anyone is on the ledge. Just think people are being realist. Really young first time coach coupled with a young team that lost a ton of scoring and leadership. Replaced a lot of that talent not from within but with grad transfers. Its gonna be a rough year, we may even be 2-4 after Maui. I came into this season expecting NIT at best and under 500 in conference this year. Really what I'm looking for is to see Naji and Scruggs really mature and next year make another huge run with Q

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I dont think anyone is on the ledge. Just think people are being realist. Really young first time coach coupled with a young team that lost a ton of scoring and leadership. Replaced a lot of that talent not from within but with grad transfers. Its gonna be a rough year, we may even be 2-4 after Maui. I came into this season expecting NIT at best and under 500 in conference this year. Really what I'm looking for is to see Naji and Scruggs really mature and next year make another huge run with Q

Stamina, I think your preseason expectations may be right on. Hopefully wrong, but by the time this team figures it out the season may be largely over.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kellernr]

Uh... after watching this team through 3 games, X is not good. The defense is absolutely pathetic. Naji and Q have been horrendous on the defensive end. They had three guys who could score. We knew Happ would get his, but #s 0 and 34 just torched us. Wisconsin isn't a great team. Happ is a stud, but the rest of that team is average at best.

X can't shoot 3's.
X can't shoot foul shots
X can't play defense

Recipe for a bad year.Given up 35 3s in the first 3 games. Not sure why X teams continue to struggle with perimeter defense.

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[paulxu]

I know it's early, but I hate to be 1/2 of a 2 loss conference.

[Backyard Champ]

Quite honesty, I think our offense will be fine. I think we have loads of talent, and percentages will work themselves out. Free throw shooting concerns me a bit.

I love that Hankins has provided some great minutes. He looks to be playing every minute like he has something to prove, like it's his last chance. I haven't seen anyone on the team come close to matching that intensity. That's a problem.

Marshall has got to play better defense. I'm not sure why, but coming into this season, I was expecting him to be solid defensively. He gets burned a lot, and he loses his guy a lot, resulting in wide open shots. Really frustrating.

Maybe I'm missing something with Jones, but his defense hasn't seemed to improve much. Likewise, I think his decision making on offense needs to be better. When he gets the ball, he rarely looks to kick. If he isn't dunking it, it really looks like he's throwing up a prayer at the hoop, or rather, he doesn't have great touch. He looks great in the post when he can out muscle the opponent, but that seems to be the only post move he has. I know it sounds like I'm too harsh, but I just feel like he could be great if he could get some legit post moves and touch.


Having said that, I'm not concerned with the offense, we have actually created a ton of open shots. I think that they will start falling. Free throw shooting will get better (hopefully)

Biggest concern is lack of energy and focus. Besides Hankins, I haven't seen the intensity needed from the team.

I do think that this will be a team that will be night and day better by the end of the season.

[Xuperman]

UW is dancing this year, so the L won't look bad in March, although I hate that they broke our OOC streak at Cintas. Team 97 has nothing but upside....3 different 20 point scorers in 3 games paired with 3 different double digit efforts on the glass. Marshall follows Welage and Jones with a monster game. Just have to defend the 3 better.

[XUGRAD80]

The way the team came back in both half’s is encouraging. The fact that they fell behind by double digits both half’s, is not.

There are lots of reasons why they are who they are right now...youth, inexperience, need for on floor leadership, poor decisions, poor shooting, poor defense. But I don’t see anywhere to go but up. I see this as a team that will show gradual improvement all year long and will probably still frustrate all of us at times. But I also see this as a team that doesn’t quit and will give almost anyone a tough game. They may well get blown out in a few games, but they will probably also surprise a few teams along the way. Consistently inconsistent may be the story of the year.

[Xavier]

The sad part, I really think Scruggs and Marshall are top 30 talent that just need better guidance or at least someone reigning them in.

Top 30 in the country? This year? I just don't see it

[JTG]

Glad I didn't plan on a trip to Hawaii. That is gonna be an ugly event for X. This perimeter defense has been an issue for years, but this year it is flat out awful.

[GoMuskies]

Glad I didn't plan on a trip to Hawaii. That is gonna be an ugly event for X.

Not sure why you'd expect it to be ugly. Auburn will beat us, but they're not so good that it will likely be a slaughter. Then we get San Diego State and either Illinois or Iowa State. Teams we can certainly compete with.

[xu82]

Not sure why you'd expect it to be ugly. Auburn will beat us, but they're not so good that it will likely be a slaughter. Then we get San Diego State and either Illinois or Iowa State. Teams we can certainly compete with.

Either way....YOU’RE IN HAWAII!

[GoMuskies]

Either way....YOU’RE IN HAWAII!

Yeah, there's also that. If I happen to miss a game....probably won't stress over it!

[xukeith]

Biggest deficiency this season is experience/leadership. Team is too young and not as talented as the Bluiett/JP years.

Has potential but not showing that calm experience to take over a game. Happ had it all under his control.

Good News: We won't see a big man as good as Happ again unless we play Duke.
Bad news: Team can't play strong defense for 30 minutes.
Good News: there are 28 more games
Bad news: X only has 2 big post players
Good News: I "think" X will find rhythm by January
Bad news: Now- January will be ugly.
Big East is a lot better than Wisconsin every night.

Should NOT depend on 5th year grad transfers to lead a team that lost 4 seniors.

[Xavier]

Outside of one or two teams, Big East is not a lot better than Wisconsin every night this year.

[SemajParlor]

Naji Marshall with the worst 24 - 13 on 10-15 shooting game ever apparently.

[GoMuskies]

Naji Marshall with the worst 24 - 13 on 10-15 shooting game ever apparently.

Yeah, having watched the game on DVR, the only two players I came into this thread not expecting to see any complaints about were Naji and Hankins.

Naji may have had some defensive lapses, but I'm a lot less concerned about the play of Naji than I am about our three other returning vets (Q, Scruggs and Jones). We need a LOT out of all four of those guys every time we play a good team.

[Xville]

This was a loss that was caused by three things:

1.) Defense on the perimeter (common theme for years now)
2.) Jones and q playing d level games
3.) Ethan Happ carving us up like a turkey

[xukeith]

Looked like Q's shoulder is NOT 100% and it bothers him at times. Hope in 2-4 weeks it is a lot better.

[throwbackmuskie]

The early foul really hurts PS. Some are ticky tack, some are legit. Same with Jones.

Hard to beat a team who shoots 56% from 3. Its not like we didn't contest shots either. Davidson and Trice were 9 of 11, and the even took some deep shots.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

The early foul really hurts PS. Some are ticky tack, some are legit. Same with Jones.

Hard to beat a team who shoots 56% from 3. Its not like we didn't contest shots either. Davidson and Trice were 9 of 11, and the even took some deep shots.

The question is why teams seem to hit way above their average from 3 against us. This has been a consistent problem over the last few years. This year, we have the guys with enough speed to close down those shooters and not give them the time to release a good shot. It just isn't happening.

By top 30, I meant top 30 talent for their class. I still believe that.

Auburn is absolutely playing good right now.

[Masterofreality]

Box score concerns:
-Naji 39 minutes
-Q 37 minutes
That can’t continue or these guys will be gassed by January 31.
-Outrebounded 40-32.
Ty had 1 board, Welage 2. Those are 6:10 guys doing zero on the glass. Paul Scruggs had ZERO boards and was out worked.
-Offensive rebounds: Wiscy 12, X 9.
-Free Throw Shooting. What the hell were these guys doing in the gym all summer. Must not have been a Tu Holloway hundreds of free throws a day regimen.
Unacceptable.
I don’t expect Travis to throw his players under the bus on a postgame radio show-like the Gnome across town does- but I hope he’s peeling paint in the locker room & gets meaner in practice. Assistant Coaches can be players’ friend. Head Coaches need to be tough directors. Guys need to be held accountable for mental lapses, and poor decisions on shots. Travis just can't be the players friend anymore.
Look, all of our new coaches had their stinkers- Matta at Ball State, Miller vs Miami, OH at Cintas, Mack's lousy Florida Tournament in Orlando when he had to get Jordan Crawford under control. Travis will be fine, but he's got a learning and growth curve to get through.

[Xville]

The question is why teams seem to hit way above their average from 3 against us. This has been a consistent problem over the last few years. This year, we have the guys with enough speed to close down those shooters and not give them the time to release a good shot. It just isn't happening.

By top 30, I meant top 30 talent for their class. I still believe that.

Auburn is absolutely playing good right now.

Answer is simple...defensive philosophy, which I am hoping is going to start changing under Steele. I'd much rather play a straight man to man and have guys get beat off the dribble and give up a two, rather than consistently give up three pointers. For those who say they are "contested," we must be watching different games or have a different definition option of what contested means.

[throwbackmuskie]

When I say contested, I mean hand in the face, now it maybe a late close out, but the D still gets a hand in the face. Like I said, Davidson made some from 3-4 ft behind the arch.

[Xville]

When I say contested, I mean hand in the face, now it maybe a late close out, but the D still gets a hand in the face. Like I said, Davidson made some from 3-4 ft behind the arch.

In my opinion, If it is late, that's not contested especially in high div 1 basketball...that's basically an open shot.

[throwbackmuskie]

In my opinion, If it is late, that's not contested especially in high div 1 basketball...that's basically an open shot.

yes and no. Shooters still freeze up at this level with a man running at them, case in point, look at Wellage last night. Open looks and had a man close and he missed.

[Xville]

yes and no. Shooters still freeze up at this level with a man running at them, case in point, look at Wellage last night. Open looks and had a man close and he missed.

I think we will just have to agree to disagree here. All I know is that 3 point defense has been a consistent issue for years now, and it's not because the other team is just lucky against us.

[throwbackmuskie]

I think we will just have to agree to disagree here. All I know is that 3 point defense has been a consistent issue for years now, and it's not because the other team is just lucky against us.

I don't disagree, but its also not a lack of effort. However X was 85 out of 351 in 3 point D last year, 33% made against. Nova was number 15, with 31.7 % against them.

In the 5 losses last year, teams shot 39% from 3. Include Providence going 3/19, take that out and looking at 42%.

[Xville]

I don't disagree, but its also not a lack of effort. However X was 85 out of 351 in 3 point D last year, 33% made against. Nova was number 15, with 31.7 % against them.

In the 5 losses last year, teams shot 39% from 3. Include Providence going 3/19, take that out and looking at 42%.

Interesting and yes i agree that it isn't effort..I think it is defensive philosophy. The players can only do so much against the three when the coaches don't value defense against it. Frankly, the defensive philosophy is why i didn't mind so much that Mack was leaving and I am hoping that Steele makes tweaks and the players buy in.

[scoscox]

Naji still looks like he’s trying to recover from losing 15 pounds when he was sick. Still not as sharp as he was in the exhibition. Showed on defense especially. Still put up 24 and 13. Hankins played well. Guy was playing d2 last year and put up a double double with 4 blocks against an all American even with a few bad calls going against him. Happ got his but about half of it came against tyrique or on pick and rolls. Man to man in the post he held his own. Q is probably also still recovering some stamina from being hurt.

Biggest take away is that we don’t know who we are yet. We are a team with three lead guards, naji, q, and Scruggs who are a nightmare for teams to stop going downhill. The offense has to be those guys attacking the basket and drawing fouls. For most of the game, we didn’t look like we understood that. Quentin taking 8 threes is not the best use of our offense. That’s letting the other guy off the hook. Much the same for Scruggs. This was a very winnable game. I think we are more talented than Wisconsin we just need to work a few things out and get everyone healthy.

[Muskie]

This offense works best when Q attacks the basket and then dishes off. I saw a lot of standing around at the 3 point line last night. I'd like to see more movement. This is a team who is going to get better as the season goes. We are probably going to take our lumps until then.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Byron just asked why no double on happ. No communication on d was the answer. Okay coach. You got this.

That isnt what I remember him saying. The way you wrote you comment implies he wanted them to double but they didnt communicate. That isnt what he said that I heard. Every time we did double they drilled a 3 off a Happ kick out.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Quite honesty, I think our offense will be fine. I think we have loads of talent, and percentages will work themselves out. Free throw shooting concerns me a bit.

I love that Hankins has provided some great minutes. He looks to be playing every minute like he has something to prove, like it's his last chance. I haven't seen anyone on the team come close to matching that intensity. That's a problem.

Marshall has got to play better defense. I'm not sure why, but coming into this season, I was expecting him to be solid defensively. He gets burned a lot, and he loses his guy a lot, resulting in wide open shots. Really frustrating.

Maybe I'm missing something with Jones, but his defense hasn't seemed to improve much. Likewise, I think his decision making on offense needs to be better. When he gets the ball, he rarely looks to kick. If he isn't dunking it, it really looks like he's throwing up a prayer at the hoop, or rather, he doesn't have great touch. He looks great in the post when he can out muscle the opponent, but that seems to be the only post move he has. I know it sounds like I'm too harsh, but I just feel like he could be great if he could get some legit post moves and touch.


Having said that, I'm not concerned with the offense, we have actually created a ton of open shots. I think that they will start falling. Free throw shooting will get better (hopefully)

Biggest concern is lack of energy and focus. Besides Hankins, I haven't seen the intensity needed from the team.

I do think that this will be a team that will be night and day better by the end of the season.

I agree with pretty much all of this.

A new team needing big contributions from many guys who have never been the go to guy or played in crunch time. 3 guys who werent even on the team last year. Rookie head coach.

Knew there would be struggles early but still think we have enough talent that this will be a tourney team come March and that this team will learn how to play best together.

Down the road I do think we will look back at this thread and laugh a little bit at the doom and gloom projections.

NIT at best is not something I see as a projection for this team.

[bleedXblue]

This team lacks good shooters period. We have one guy whos made 3's at a decent percentage and thats it. Until that improves its going to be tough sledding.

[xudash]

I agree with pretty much all of this.

A new team needing big contributions from many guys who have never been the go to guy or played in crunch time. 3 guys who werent even on the team last year. Rookie head coach.

Knew there would be struggles early but still think we have enough talent that this will be a tourney team come March and that this team will learn how to play best together.

Down the road I do think we will look back at this thread and laugh a little bit at the doom and gloom projections.

NIT at best is not something I see as a projection for this team.

Getting past the "ifs and buts stuff", when Welage finally settles his nerves so that his shots start dropping, that along with the team playing defense for 40 minutes will make things appear a whole lot differently than they looked last night. Two kids from Whisky go berzerk behind the arc - one going 5/5 - with no answer from a Musketeer on our home court.

I liked that they closed to within 2 points at the end of the first half.

I liked that they didn't quit towards the end of the game even when it certainly looked beyond surmountable.

I can't stand that they put themselves in that position to begin with, especially the way they came out after the break.

I'm with you all the way on one thing: I believe they'll Bataan Death March their way to yet another NCAA bid. The funny thing about that is that, once they get there, they'll have been so battle tested and hungry from having slogged through a tough season that they might just make a Bernard-esque run in the Tournament. Wouldn't that be nuts.

[X-band '01]

Box score concerns:
-Naji 39 minutes
-Q 37 minutes
That can’t continue or these guys will be gassed by January 31.


Might have been sending a message to Elias Harden and Dontarius James as well. They never saw the floor last night, and might only see time in Maui to give the regulars a breather if they're not earning PT during practice.

Other than that, not much to disagree with. Getting beaten is one thing, but getting beaten and outhustled (with some bad body language from guys like Goodin and Jones) won't sit well with the coaches and fanbase. Hopefully things start to improve in Maui next week.

[drudy23]

Box score concerns:
-Naji 39 minutes
-Q 37 minutes
That can’t continue or these guys will be gassed by January 31.
.

What other options do they have?

Do you think Harden or the other guy who's name escapes me make that game any closer? No - probably the opposite.

Our bench guys are 1-2 development years away. It's going to be kind of rough until higher level recruits get here.

[noteggs]

Q played 15 minutes in game before (boneheaded play dictated that) and over 30 minutes last night. This is the only sample size we have of him with so many new parts. We had 4 players last night who barely played and practiced sparely with him.

Think our growing pains have been extended about month with his injury.

[xukeith]

Q played 15 minutes in game before (boneheaded play dictated that) and over 30 minutes last night. This is the only sample size we have of him with so many new parts. We had 4 players last night who barely played and practiced sparely with him.

Think our growing pains have been extended about month with his injury.

Q needs a month before he is ready.